It's a make-or-break for Team Kenya as they face Morocco in a pivotal Billie Jean King Cup clash on Saturday in Windhoek, Namibia.
At stake is a promotion slot to Group 2 in 2026, and after coming close in the last two years, the side believes they have to seize the moment and banish the demons of the past two years.
Team captain Francis Rogoi said the girls are relishing the battle of a tough test against the North Africans.
"We have had a good week, winning all our matches, but qualification now boils down to this match. Mentally and physically, the girls are more than ready for the battle ahead,” observed Rogoi.
Morocco, on their part, defeated Madagascar, Burundi and Namibia by margins of 3-0 to advance to the playoff round.
Team Kenya began their campaign with a 3-0 win over Tunisia on Monday, with Zimbabwe-based Melissa Mwakha winning the opening match 6-1, 6-0 against Lina Soussi.
African Games' champion Angela Okutoyi then showed her class with hard fought 6-2, 4-6, 6-2 win over Mouna Bouzgarrou in the second singles match.
In the doubles category, Okutoyi teamed up with Cynthia Wanjala to defeat Ranim Rasill and Bouzgarrou 6-1, 6-3.
Kenya then overpowered Algeria 3-0 with Mwakha beating Melissa Kerfah 6-2, 7-6 (7-2 ) while Okutoyi brushed aside Rehab Mebarki, 6-2. In the doubles, Wanjala and Okutoyi saw off Kerfah and Mebraki 6-1, 6-1 to complete the whitewash.
Team Kenya then faced a tough test against a resurgent Zimbabwe but came out victorious, winning 2-1.
Mwakha dropped her first match of the championship, going down to Tadinawashe Mauchi 6-2, 6-1, 6-2.
Okutoyi levelled matters for Kenya, winning against Sasha Chimedza 6-4, 6-4.
Team Kenya then closed out he match, winning the doubles as Okutoyi and Wanjala beat Chimedza and Mauchi 6-1, 6-2.
Kenya then overcame the highly fancied Botswana 3-0 with Mwakha seeing off the challenge of Chelsea Chakanyuka 6–0, 7-5 and Okutoyi winning her singles rubber by defeating Ekua Youri 6-2, 5-7, 7-6 (7-5) in a tie-break.
The team had a rest day on Thursday, and Rogoi said he is expecting a tough battle against the North Africans.
” It will be a tall order, but for you to qualify, you must beat the best. There are areas in which I believe the girls can capitalise on them."
